The Philadelphia 76ers’ first playoff game in six years is off to an entertaining start Saturday night.

After jumping out to an early lead, the No. 3-seeded Sixers allowed the No. 6-seeded Miami Heat to surge ahead in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference first round series at Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia. Then Philly rebounded and stayed neck and neck with Miami until the Heat took a 60-56 lead into halftime.

It’s a new atmosphere for the young 76ers. Games in the NBA playoffs are more physical, more intense and more meaningful than contests throughout the regular season, and Philadelphia is aiming to show it belongs on this stage against Miami.

Rookie Ben Simmons did his part with 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists during the first half. Veteran guard Marco Belinelli has a team-high 13 points off the Sixers’ bench.

The Heat have countered with a successful balanced attack, led by Kelly Olynyk (14 points) and James Johnson (13 points). Dwayne Wade has seven points off the bench.